Electric time-switch.



PATENTED MAR. 10, 1903.

H. G. PROELIUH. ELECTRIC TIME SWITCH. VAPPLIOATION FILED DEC. 30, 1901.

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ELECTRIC TIME SWITCH.

. APPLICATION rum) no. so, 1901. 10 MODEL.

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APPLICATION FILED DEC. 30, 1901.

HO MODEL.

m: norms PEIERS 00., PNUTQ-LITHQ, WASHINGTON, n. c.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HENRY C. FROELICH, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO BAIRD MANU- FACTURING COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

ELECTRIC TIME-SWITCH.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 722,292, dated March 10, 1-903.

Application filed December 30, 1901. Serial No. 87,653. (No model.)

To (all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HENRY O. FROELICH, a resident of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Time Controller Devices, of which I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description.

The present invention relates to devices whereby mechanisms or parts-e. g., an electric switch-are controlled or shifted at a predetermined time; and the invention designs to improve the construction of this class of devices and to provide a device which is simple in construction and positive in operation.

The invention consists in the several novel features hereinafter described, and more particularly defined by claims at the conclusion hereof.

In the drawings, Figure l is a front elevation of a device embodying the invention, the door or cover of the inclosing casing being removed. Fig. 2 is a detail front view, parts being shown in section upon a larger scale,

of the trip mechanism and the shifter mechanism, the parts being shown in operative position. Fig. 3 is a similar view showing the parts in released position. Fig. 4 is a plan view, parts being omitted, a portion of the inclosing casing being shown in section. Fig. 5 is a view in vertical section taken on line 5 5 of Fig. 4:. Fig. 6 is a detail front view of the adjustable dial for controlling the operation of the trip mechanism. Fig. 7 is a detail perspective view of one of the index-hands of the clock mechanism.

The several parts of the device are conveniently sustained in an inclosing case A of any suitable construction. A clock mechanism 1 of usual construction serves as means for determining the time of the operation of the device and as means for effecting the release of the shifter mechanism. The clock mechanism comprises a minute index-hand 4, mounted on and secured to an arbor 6, an hour index-hand 3, secured to a tubular shaft 7, wherethrough arbor 6 is extended and thereto hand 3 is secured, and a dial 5, having the hours of the day indicated thereon. Dial 5 is preferably marked to indicate twentyfour hours, and the gearing intermediate the hour and minute indices is constructed to impartproper relative movement0ftheindicest'. a, to cause the hour-index to make one revolution while the minute-index revolves twenty-four times.

An adjustable dial 8 is mounted in manner free to revolve and slide on a forwardly-pro jectiug portion of tubular shaft 7, whereto the hour-index 3 is secured. Said dial serves to indicate the time at which the trip mechanism, hereinafter described, will be released to effect the operation of the shifter mechanism, whereby the mechanism to be controlled is operated, and is provided with a series of holes 9, either of which is adapted to be engaged by a rearwardly-projecting pin or stud 10, securedto the hourindeX-hand 3, and thus interlocked with said hand. A trip-controlling cam 12 is secured to or integrally formed with adjustable dial 8 and with a sleeve portion 11, fitting loosely around tubular shaft 7. A coil-spring 13, encircling shaft 7, engages a suitable abutment 13 on said shaft and cam 12 and presses the adjustable dial 8 normally forward, so as to interlock with hour index-hand. Dial 8 is provided with characters 8, whereby the operator can determine the relative position of trip-controlling cam 12 and the hour index-hand 3 and set the cam in the desired position to effect the release of the trip mechanism at the desired time. It will thus be seen that by pressing dial 8 backwardly against the force of spring 13 the trip-controlling cam 12 and dial 8 can be released from stud 10 of the hour index-hand 3, so the cam will be free to be revolved and adjusted about shaft 7.

B denotes an electric switch of usual construction and comprises a contact 23 and a movable member 23, pivotally sustained, as at 23. In the device illustrated in the drawings said switch constitutes the mechanism or part to be shifted by the improved time controlling device, it being understood, however, that theshifter mechanism, hereinafter described, may be employed for controlling other devices. The mechanism for shifting said switch comprises a weight 18, mounted in manner free to slide upon a vertical rod or guide 19, which is secured in the inclosing case, and a chain 24, connected with the movable member of the electric switch, and a collar 22, fitting loosely around an elongated neck 20, wherewith the weight 18 is provided. The operating-weight 18 is provided with a head or projection 21, wherewith the trigger, hereinafter described, will engage to retain the weight and connected parts in elevated or operative position.

A roller 27 is mounted in a trigger 26, which is carried by a trigger-lever 25, pivotally sustained in a support or bracket 0, which is conveniently secured in the inclosing case. A trip mechanism is provided for effecting the shift of the trigger mechanism and the release of the shifter mechanism at the predetermined time corresponding to the position in which the controlling-cam 12 and the hour-index 3 are set. Said trip mechanism comprises a bell-crank lever 14:, pivotally sustained, as at e, in support E, secured to the back wall of the inclosing case. The long arm of the trigger-lever is arranged horizontally and provided at its distal end with a weight 15, adjnstably secured thereto, and

- with a lug or extension 16, adapted to contact with and rest upon the edge of trip-controlling cam 12. The short vertical arm of the bell-crank lever 14 is connected by a rod 17 with the free end of the trigger-lever 25.

The trigger-roller 27 is designed to engage the under side of head 21 of the operatingweight, and the construction of the parts is such that the trigger can be withdrawn to effeet the release of the operating-weight by the clock mechanism with little friction and so the trigger mechanism will respond sensitively to the movement of the clock mechanism and without material resistance to the clock mechanism.

Trigger 26 is pivotally sustained, as at 26*, by the lever 25 in manner which permits the trigger to be lifted upwardly out of the path of head 21 of operating-weight 18 while the operating-weight is being set into operating position. Head 21 is provided with an inclined side 21 which engages and lifts the roller until the weight has reached a position above the trigger. The trigger will then return to normal position, rest upon lever 25, and engage the projecting edge of head 21, and thus retain the operating-weight in operative position. The setting of the weight can be effected without disturbing the trigger-lever and controlling mechanism. Furthermore, the weight can be manually released by lifting the trigger about its pivot to free the weight when it is desired to shift the switch without disturbing the adjustment of the trip-controlling mechanism. By employing a cam which revolves once every twenty-four hours the release can remain in its position when the switch is to be shifted at the same time each day.

The operation of the controller device will be as follows: Assuming the trip-controller cam to have been set into the desired relative position with respect to the index-hands of the clock mechanism, the operator will lift the operating-weight 18 until the head 21 is positioned above and held by the trigger mechanism. Head 21 is provided with a conical portion or side to facilitate the movement of the shifter mechanism into operative position of the trigger-roller 27'. Chain 24 will thenbe slack, and collar 22 will be in position immediately above the operating-weight 18, and a portion of elongated neck 20 will be above collar 22. The parts will then be in operative position and remain there until the trip-lever is permitted to drop under the infiuence of weight 15 by the recessed or cutaway portion 12 of trip-controller cam 12. When the cut-away portion 12 of cam 12 is brought into position beneath the contact-lug 16 of the trip-lever, said lever will be released and under the influence of weight 15 will swing about its pivot e and cause the short arm of the trip-lever to shift the connectingrod 17 and withdraw the trigger from engagement with head 21 of the shifter mechanism. When the trigger mechanism is thus withdrawn from engagement with the head 21 of the shifter mechanism, operating-weight 18 will be released and will be free to gravitate along rod 19 until head 21 engages collar 22. The weight will then suddenly engage the collar and be moved in unison therewith. When the slack of the chain is taken up, the movable member of the electric switch will be shifted out of engagement with the contact, thus breaking the electrical circuit in which the switch may be interposed.

It will be seen that the weight has a limited movement independent of the collar 22, during which the weight will acquire momentum. The force thus acquired causes the operating-weight to suddenly engage collar 22 and jerkthechain. Suchindependentmovement results in increased momentum and effects the shift of the movable member of the switch. Furthermore, such construction is advantageous, because a short travel of the weight sulfices to positively shift the controlled part and the employment of a long guide-rod is avoided. Manifestly the details of construction may be varied by the skilled mechanic without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. A time-switch mechanism for electrical circuits, comprising in combination a clock mechanism, a trigger mechanism, operative connections between the clock and trigger mechanisms, an electric switch, a switch-operating weight held in its raised position by the trigger mechanism, a headed mechanism on the weight, a collar sliding thereon, and a section of chain forming a slack connection between the weight and the movable member of the switch.

2. A time-switch mechanism for electrical circuits comprising in combination, a clock mechanism, a trigger mechanism formed by a horizontally-movable arm, a trigger-piece carried thereby and provided with a frictionroller on its engaging end, operative connections between the clock and trigger mechanisms, an electric switch, a switch-operating weight provided with a headed extension adapted for engagement with the trigger mechanism, a guide-rod for such weight and a slack connection between the weight and the movable member of the switch.

3. A time-switch mechanism for electrical circuits, comprising in combination a clock mechanism, a trigger mechanism formed by a horizontally-movable arm, a trigger-piece carried thereby and provided with a frictionroller on its engaging end, operative connections between the clock and trigger mechanisms, an electric switch, a switch-operating Weight provided with a headed extension adapted for engagement with the trigger mechanism, a guide-rod for such weight, and a section of chain forminga slack connection between the weight and the movable member of the switch.

4. A time-switch mechanism for electrical circuits, comprising in combination, a clock mechanism, a trigger mechanism formed by a horizontally-movable arm, a trigger-piece carried thereby and provided with a frictionroller on its engaging end, a weighted bell crank lever, a pull-rod connecting said arm and lover together, operative connections between the clock mechanism and said lever, an electric switch, a switch-operating weight provided with a headed extension adapted for engagement with the trigger mechanism a guide-rod for such weight, and a slackconnection between the weight and the movable member of the switch.

5. A time-switch mechanism for electrical circuits, comprising in combination a clock mechanism having an hour-hand, a secondary dial revolubly adjustable with relation to the hour-hand, means for locking said parts to their adjustment, a trigger-releasing cam having fixed connection with the secondary dial so as to be adjustable therewith, a trigger mechanism having operative connection with said cam, an electric switch and a switchoperating means controlled by said trigger mechanism.

6. A time-switch mechanism for electrical circuits comprising in combination a clock mechanism having an hour-hand, a secondary dial revolubly adjustable with relation to the hour-hand, means for locking said parts to their adjustment, the same comprising a circular series of recesses in the secondary dial and an engaging pin on the hour-hand, a trigger-releasing cam having fixed con nection with the secondary dial so as to be adjustable therewith a trigger mechanism having operative connection with said cam, an electric switch, and a switch-operatin g means controlled by said trigger mechanism.

7. A time-switch mechanism for electrical circuits, comprising in combination a clock mechanism having an hour-hand, a secondary dial revolubly adjustable with relation to the hour-hand, means for locking said parts to their adjustment, a trigger-releasing cam having fixed connection with the secondary dial so as to be adjustable therewith, a trigger mechanism having operative connection with said cam, an electric switch, a switchoperating weight held in its raised position by the trigger mechanism and a slack connection between the weight and the movable member of the switch.

8. A time-switch mechanism for electrical circuits, comprising in combination a clock mechanism having an hour-hand, a secondary dial revolubly adjustable with relation to the hour-hand, means for locking said parts to their adjustment, the same comprising a circular series of recesses in the secondary dial and an engaging pin on the hour-hand, a trigger-releasing cam having fixed connection with the secondary dial so as to be adj ustable therewith, a trigger mechanism having operative connection with said cam, an electric switch, a switch-operating weight held in its raised position by the trigger mechanism, and a slack connection between the weight and the movable member-of the switch.

9. A time-switch mechanism for electrical circuits comprising in combination, a clock mechanism having an hour-hand, an hourhand shaft, a tubular shaft surrounding the hour-hand shaft, and capable of endwise and revoluble adjustment thereon, a trigger-releasing cam on said tubular shaft, a secondary dial on said tubular shaft, a spring adapted to force said shaft endwise, means for looking the secondary dial at its revoluble adjustment to the hour-hand, a trigger mechanism having operative connection with said cam, an electric switch, and a switch-operating means controlled by said trigger mechanism.

10. A time-switch mechanism for electrical circuits comprising in combination, a clock mechanism having an hour-hand, an hourhand shaft, a tubular shaft surrounding the hour-hand shaft and capable of endwise and revoluble adjustment thereon, a trigger-releasing cam on said tubular shaft, a secondary dial on said tubular shaft, a spring adapted to force said shaft endwise, means for looking the secondary dial at its revoluble adjustment to the hour-hand, a trigger mechanism having operative connection with said cam an electric switch, and a switch-operating weight held in its raised position by the trigger mechanism, and a slack connection between the weight and the movable member of the switch.

11. A time controlling device comprising the combination with a clock mechanism, of apart to be shifted, an operating-weight, mechanism for retaining said weight in operative position, said retaining mechanism being controlled by said cloclc mechanism, a

the combination with a clock mechanism, of

a part to be shifted, an operating-weight provided with an elongated neck, mechanism for retaining said Weight in operative position, said retaining mechanism being controlled by the clock mechanism and a connection between said weight, and the mechanism or part to be shifted, said. connection comprising a loose collar around said elongated neck, and whereby said Weight will have a limited unobstructed movement independent of said connection, before engaging said connection to eifect the shift of said part, and a further movement therewith.

13. In a time controlling device, the combination with a clock mechanism of a part to be shifted, an operating-Weight, mechanism controlled by the clock mechanism for retaining said weight in operative position, said mechanism comprising a trigger engaging said weight, a connection between said weight, and the part to be shifted, and a'vertical guide-rod for said weight.

14. In a time controlling device, the combination with a clock mechanism, of a part to be shifted, an operating-weight, a trigger-lever arranged to engage and hold said weight in operative position, a trip mechanism controlled by said clock mechanism, a connection between said weight and part to be shifted, and a vertical guide rod for said weight.

15. In a time controlling device, the combination with a clock mechanism and a part to be shifted, of means for shifting said part, and mechanism for retaining said means in operative position, said retaining mechanism comprising a revoluble cam, adjustably secured to the clock mechanism.

16. In a time controlling device, the combination of a clock mechanism and a part to be shifted, of an operating-weight, for shifting said part,and mechanism for retaining said weight in operative position, said retaining mechanism comprising a revolnble cam, adjustably secured to said clock mechanism.

17. In a time controlling device, the combination with a clock mechanism, and a part to be shifted, of means for shifting said part, mechanism for retaining said means in operative position, said retaining mechanism comprising a revolnble cam, adjustably secured to the clock mechanism and a dial secured to said cam, and adjustable therewith.

18. In a time controlling device, the combination with a part to be shifted, and a clock mechanism having an hour index-hand, of an operating-weight, for shifting said part, mechanism for retaining said weight in operative position, said retaining mechanism comprising a revolnble cam, and a dial secured to said cam, and adjustably secured to the hourhand.

19. In a time controlling device, the combination with a clock mechanism, and a part to be shifted, of an operating-weight, and mechanism for retaining said weight in operative position, said retaining mechanism comprising a trigger-lever arranged to swing horizontally, and adapted to engage said weight, a vertically-swinging trip-lever and a cam adj ustably secured to the clock mechanism.

20. In a controlled device, the combination with a clock mechanism, of atrigger mechanism, operative connections between the clock mechanism and the trigger mechanism, a part to be shifted, an operating-weight held in its raised position by the trigger mechanism, a headed extension on the weight, a collar sliding thereon, and a section of chain forming a slack connection between the part to be shifted.

21. In a time-controlled device, the combination with a clock mechanism of a trigger mechanism formed by a horizontally-movable arm, a trigger-piece carried thereby, and provided with a friction-roller on its engaging end, operative connections between the clock and trigger mechanism, a part to be shifted, an operating-weight provided with a headed extension adapted for engagement with the trigger mechanism, a guide rod for such weight, and a slack connection between the weight, and the part to be shifted.

22. In a time-controlled device, the combination with a clock mechanism of a trigger mechanism formed by a horizontally-movable arm, a trigger-piece carried thereby, and provided with a friction-roller on its engaging end, operative connections between the clock and trigger mechanism, a part to be shifted, an operating-weight provided with a headed extension adapted for engagement with the trigger mechanism, a guide -rod for such Weight, and a section of chain forming a slack connection between the Weight, and the part to be shifted.

23. In a time-controlled device, the combination with a clock mechanism, of a trigger mechanism formed by a horizontally-movable arm, a trigger-piece carried thereby, and provided with a friction-roller on its engaging end, a weighted bell-crank lever, a pull-rod connecting said arm and lever together, operative connections between the clock mechanism and said lever, a part to be shifted, an operating-weight provided with a headed extension adapted for engagement with the trigger mechanism, a guide-rod for such Weight, and a slack connection between the Weight and the part to be shifted.

24L. In a time-controlled device, the combination with a clock mechanism having an hour-hand, of a dial revolnble and adjustable with relation to the hour-hand, means for looking said parts in their adjustment, a trigger- IIO controlling cam having fixed combination with the dial so as to be adjustable therewith, a trigger mechanism having operative connection with said cam, a part to be shifted, and operating means controlled by said trigger mechanism.

25. In a time-controlled device, the combination with a clock mechanism having an hon r-hand, of a dial revoluble and adjustable with relation to the hour-hand, means forlocking said parts to their adjustment, the same comprising a circular series of recesses in the secondary dial, and an engaging pin on the hour-hand, a trigger-controlling cam having fixed connection with the secondary dial so as to be adjustable therewith, a trigger mechanism having operative connection with said cam, a partto be shifted, and operating means controlled by said trigger mechanism.

26. In a time controlling device, the combination with a clock mechanism having an hour-hand, of a dial revoluble and adjustable with relation to the hon r-hand means for looking said parts to their adjustment, a triggercontrolling cam, having fixed connection with the dial, so as to be adjustable therewith, a trigger mechanism operatively connected with said cam, a part to be shifted, an operating-Weight held in its raised. position by the trigger mechanism, and a slack connection between the weight and the part to be shifted.

27. In a time controlling device, the combination with a clock mechanism having an hour-hand, ofadial, revoluble and adjustable with relation to the hour-hand,means for looking said parts to their adjustment, the same comprising a circular series of recesses in the secondary dial and an engaging pin on the hour-hand, a trigger-controlling cam, having fixed connection with the secondary dial so as to be adjustable therewith, a trigger mechanism having operative connection with said cam, a part to be shifted, an operating-weight held in its raised position by the trigger mechanism, and a slack connection between the weight and said part.

28. In a time-controlled mechanism, the combination with a clock mechanism comprising an hour-hand, an hour-hand shaft, and a sleeve surrounding the hour-hand shaft, and capable of endwise and revoluble adjustment thereon, a trigger-controlling cam on said tubular shaft, of a dial on said tubular shaft, a spring adapted to force said shaft endwise, means for interlocking the dial to the hourhand, a trigger mechanism having operative connection with said cam, a part to be shifted, and operating means controlled by said trigger mechanism.

29. In a time-controlled mechanism, the combination with a clock mechanism com prising an hour-hand, an hour-hand shaft, and a tubular shaft surrounding the hour hand shaft and capable of endwise and revoluble adjustment thereon, of a trigger-controlling cam on said tubular shaft a dial on said tubular shaft, a spring adapted to force said shaft endwise, means for locking the dial at its revoluble adjustment to the hour-hand, a trigger mechanism having operative connection with said cam, a part to be shifted, an operating-weight held in its raised position by the trigger mechanism, and a. slack connection between the weight and said part.

HENRY O. FROELIOH.

Witnesses:

FRED GERLAOH, ISABEL GERLACH. 

